Sadness at the death of football stalwart Pat Whitty

Pat was a long-standing member of the FAI Senior Council and had been member of the Leinster FA senior council for more than 30 years. He was vice-President of the Leinster FA and was a member of the FAI Finance Committee at the time of his sad death after illness.

Whitty, aged 62, was an integral part of the Wexford football community for several decades and served the Wexford Football League initially as fixtures secretary then held the role of league administrator for several years.

A native of Old Ross, his playing days were served with Park Hotspur FC and Wexford Celtic.

He is survived by wife Suzanne, sons Alan, Jason, Dylan, Padraig, John and daughter Kay and other relatives and many friends.

FAI CEO John Delaney paid tribute to Pat Whitty. He said: 'It was with great sadness that I learned of Pat’s passing.

'He was a great grassroots football man and one of the main reasons that football in Wexford has become so strong. I knew him a long time and was in touch with him last week to wish him well.

'Pat was integral to ensuring Ferrycarrig stadium was retained in football when the process was concluded last month and it would not have happened without him.

'We will pay tribute to him at the Switzerland. He was one of the top people in grassroots football and will be sorely missed.'

Leinster FA President Barney Blood also paid tribute to Mr Whitty: 'The Leinster FA passes on its sympathies to Pat’s family. His death is a terrible loss to football in Wexford and he did tremendous work for the game for many years.'